Mary Carmen Mifsud

Born
18 October 1929

Entered Eternal Life
21 August 2003

Incorporated as a Member
of the Society of Christian Doctrine
June 1948

Mary Carmen Mifsud was born in Msida, Malta in 1929 to parents Roger and Mary (nee Spiteri). She was employed by the Education Department of Malta and showed herself as one who was able to combine wisdom, gentleness and set clear boundaries for her students.

Mary was incorporated into the Society of Christian Doctrine in June 1948. She was appreciated for her commitment to the 'Rule of Life' of the SDC, and for her missionary outlook.

In 1962, she was appointed Superior of Preca Centre Msida. For fourteen years she led the Members in a spirit of unity and love. During her time there the centre gave rise to seven vocations and many adults and young people were motivated to faith by her dedication to the church.

Mary served as spiritual director, youth worker and as a Member of the Regional Council of the SDC in Malta.

In 1989 she was sent to the Preca mission in Sudan. During this time she learnt about and absorbed the life and sayings of Mary MacKillop, and in particular her saying: "Never refuse to do good unless it is really impossible for you."

The last four years of her life, were lived out with the SDC in Australia. Her love for Australia goes back to 1966 when she first visited her family here.

Whilst here, Mary was very active in the Resurrection parish within the Liturgy. She directed meetings for young people in St Albans, Ardeer and Altona Meadows. She gave spiritual talks to the adult Maltese communities at Preca Centre Braybrook, Resurrection and Holy Eucharist parishes in St Albans and St Leo's, North Altona. She visited and supported other women Members in South Australia and New South Wales.

At seventy years of age Mary mastered the computer and internet to assist with her ministry. Although she did not drive, she used public transport to ensure that she was able to carry out her work for Christ. Nowhere was too far for her as long as there was a train or bus that would get her there.

As a SDC Member we thank Mary for being a living witness to the spirit of our father, George Preca. Her wish was that we always feel the Lord very close to us in each and every new challenge and new beginning.

Mary is survived by brothers and sisters in Australia, Emmanuel, Linda, Jane, Alfred and in Malta, Marchese, Antoniette, Jack, Vincent and Joseph (deceased) and their families.

Mary was buried in Malta on 23 August. SDC Members, family and friends gathered for a Mass in Celebration of the Life of Mary Mifsud at her parish church, Resurrection on 12 September. Mass was celebrated by her parish priest, Reverend Noel Brady together with Reverend Emanuel Adami mssp.